Traveling from Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar by road is an alluring tour that awaits. This remarkable journey is filled with captivating highlights including a 3-day kora around the sacred Mt. Kailash, trekking around the holy Lake Mansarovar, and savoring special food in Nepal and Tibet. With a carefully crafted travel itinerary in hand, you are about to venture into a world where spirituality and natural beauty converge. Join our 10-day Kathmandu Gyirong Mount Kailash Lake Mansarovar Pilgrimage Tour as we show the details of this spiritual odyssey for you.

Nepal to Kailash Mansarovar Distance by Road

Kathmandu to Gyirong (142 km)

The journey begins in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. The distance from Kathmandu to Gyirong is approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles). You can either take a local bus that costs about $11 or let us arrange a private vehicle for you if you book your trip with Tibet Horizon. The drive takes you through stunning mountain scenery, winding roads, and charming villages, providing a glimpse into the rich culture of the region.

It's advisable to spend a day discovering the charm of Gyirong and acclimating to the high altitude. In this town, you can visit Paba Monastery, a historical site that houses the Sambu statue, which was brought by Princess Chizun upon her marriage to Srongtsen Gampo. Moreover, Jipu Village is another must-see destination, where you can admire the spectacular Jifu Canyon and the Jifu Bridge that links the village to the outside world.

Kailash Mansarovar New Route Map from Kathmandu via Gyirong

Gyirong to Mount Kailash (675 km)

From Gyirong, the distance to Mount Kailash is roughly 700 kilometers (about 434 miles). This journey takes you deeper into Tibet, where the landscape transforms into dramatic high-altitude terrain. The drive usually takes about 9 hours, offering you the chance to witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas and the serene atmosphere of Tibetan culture.

During this trip, you'll meet Mount Shishapangma first. Ranking as the world's 14th tallest mountain, it reaches a height of 8,012 meters, presenting a daunting climb for mountaineers and an awe-inspiring view for all onlookers. As you descend to lower altitudes, you'll arrive at Pelkhu Tso Lake. The lake's shimmering waters and the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Shishapangma complement each other, creating a stunning vista that takes your breath away.

Continuing the road trip, you'll pass the Saga Valley which unfolds a serene landscape of snowy mountain tops, expansive grassland, and quaint Tibetan villages. After passing the Mayum La Pass, you';ll enter the Ngari Plateau where the breathtaking vista of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash await.

Kathmandu Kailash Travel Highlights

Trek around Lake Mansarovar

On the way to Darchen, the starting point of your Kailash pilgrimage, you can trek around Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. This serene lake is considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, and the trek around its shores allows for reflection and connection with nature. The stunning views of the lake against the backdrop of Mount Kailash create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, making it a perfect beginning to the journey.

Embark on 3-day Kailash Kora

Mount Kailash is a sacred peak revered by several religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism. The act of circumambulating or "Kora" around Mount Kailash is a significant pilgrimage that holds deep spiritual significance for devotees. It is believed that completing the trek, which is approximately 52 kilometers long and can take several days, will cleanse sins and bring good fortune. For many, the journey is a test of physical endurance and a profound spiritual experience, symbolizing a quest for inner transformation and enlightenment.

Appreciate other scenic spots

Mount Shishapangma, reaching a height of 8,012 meters, is the youngest and the 14th highest peak in the world. It is entirely situated within the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is a prominent peak in the Himalayan mountain range. Recognized for its pyramidal shape, Shishapangma is a significant objective for experienced mountaineers seeking to conquer the highest peaks on Earth.
Pelkhu Tso Lake, at an elevation of 4,590 meters, is a gem of untouched natural beauty. Covering more than 300 square kilometers, this lake is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and the stunning panorama of the encircling mountains, with the majestic Mount Shishapangma casting its reflection on the tranquil surface.
Gyirong Valley is a treasure trove of flora and fauna in Tibet, renowned for its pastoral terrain, dense forests, and canyon landscapes.
Saga Valley, a picturesque valley between the Gangdise Range and the Himalaya Range offers you the scenery of snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and Tibetan villages.

Savoring Local Cuisine

The Kailash overland trip from Nepal is also a good opportunity for you to indulge in the diverse and rich flavors of local cuisines.

Nepalese cuisine is well influenced by its neighbors, India and Tibet. Some of the local foods to enjoy in Nepal include Momos, similar to Chinese dumplings but with a unique Nepalese flavor; Pani Puri, which is a pocket made of fried wheat batter filled with vegetables; and Dal Bhat, consisting of lentil soup served over rice, often accompanied by vegetables or meat curries.

As you travel towards Mount Kailash, the local cuisine becomes more influenced by Tibetan traditions. You’ll encounter butter tea, a traditional Tibetan drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt; Tsampa, roasted barley flour that is often mixed with butter tea to form a dough; and sweet tea, a typical Tibetan flavor beverage that combines black tea with milk and sugar. Beyond these, there's so much more for you to discover.

Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar Overland Trip Itinerary Quick Look

Day 1-5: Kathmandu - Darchen via Gyirong and Saga

Day 1: Depart from Kathmandu and travel to Gyirong, the border crossing point into Tibet. This day will be spent on the road, enjoying the scenic views as you cross the China-Nepal border.
Day 2: After entering Gyirong, spend a day exploring the beauty of this town and acclimating to the altitude.
Day 3: Then continue the journey to Saga. The drive will take you through vast grasslands and offer glimpses of the Himalayan range.
Day 4: From Saga, head towards Lake Mansarovar, one of the sacred lakes in Tibet. Along the way, you'll see Saga Valley, a gorgeous valley between the Gangdise Range and the Himalayan Range.
Day 5: Engage in a short trek around the lake to immerse in its holy and tranquil atmosphere. Then begin the final leg of the journey to Darchen, the starting point for the Mt. Kailash trek. Prepare for the upcoming trek and rest well to acclimatize.

Day 6-9: Mount Kailash Trek

Trek Day 1: Darchen - Dirapuk Monastery (13 km)
The initial leg of the trek is about 13 kilometers long and leads you to the serene Dirapuk Monastery. As you make your way, the majestic scenery of Mount Kailash will be a constant companion. The altitude gradually increases from 4675 meters to 5080 meters, and with each step, you'll feel a deepening connection to the sacred mountain. Upon reaching Dirapuk Monastery, you'll find a cozy place to rest. Spend the night in the simple but charming guestrooms of the monastery, reflecting on the day's journey and preparing for the days ahead.

Trek Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery-Dzultripuk Monastery
On the second day, after a challenging 762-meter ascent from Dirapuk Monastery, you will arrive at the highest pass of the kora, the Drolma La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5648 meters. The pass is considered a significant spiritual milestone, and the descent from here offers a breathtaking view of the landscape below. Cibei Lake, the emerald-green lake that is said to purify sins, waits for you on your way downhill. Dzultripuk Monastery, your destination for the day, is another important site for pilgrims, offering a peaceful environment to rest and contemplate the journey thus far.

Trek Day 3: Dzultripuk Monastery - Darchen - Saga
The third day of the trek is a relatively easier 6-kilometer trek followed by a 4-kilometer drive back to Darchen, signifying the end of your trek. After that, drive back to Saga. You can catch a glimpse of the sacred lake Mansarovar again. The return trip is filled with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the power of Mount Kailash. The trek's memories, the breathtaking vistas, and the profound spiritual moments will stay with you forever.

Day 10: Saga - Kathmandu via Gyirong

Day 9: Depart from the Ngari Plateau and drive to Gyirong. The drive will offer a chance to revisit the landscapes and memories from the initial journey into Tibet.
Day 10: Cross the border back into Nepal and return to Kathmandu, concluding the 10-day Nepal to Mount Kailash pilgrimage tour. It takes around 6-9 hours from Gyirong to Kathmandu. Take your time to enjoy the diverse landscapes on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas.

Kailash and Mansarovar

Conclusion

The 10-day Kailash overland tour from Kathmandu is a journey that will impress you with lasting memories. If you are yearning for a Kailash pilgrimage tour or in quest of other exciting adventures in Tibet, Tibet Horizon is your trusted partner. We pride ourselves on offering top-tier travel services, making certain that your entire expedition is filled with delights and gains.